Log 2014-04-30 : 3D model of wheelhouse

Progress on the Sequana has been slow. Aside from building a transport cradle out
of PVC pipes, I haven't done much.

I intend to put LEDs on the tug which means soldering and wiring which means .. meh.

Kit comes obviously with a wheelhouse made of plywood parts to be glued together.

As I'm experimenting with 3D printing, I've decided to create a model of the wheelhouse.

Truckable tugs are usually very simple designs in order to keep building costs way down.

Truckable tug

Weather is a tad chilly

Truckable tug

Might add funnels/exhausts to my model

Truckable tug

Wheelhouse is essentially a box with slanted windshield

Creating a model of such a simple wheelhouse is quite straightforward.

Wheelhouse 3D model

Roof and navlight brackets will be printed separately

Wheelhouse 3D model

Bridge/table will rest on brackets

Mast

Will hold masthead - rear cover is 135 degrees

The wheelhouse is actually made of six parts which will be printed as individual units:

Wheelhouse

Door

Roof

Two navlight brackets

Bridge/table

The wheelhouse is sized after the original plywood parts supplied with the kit in order to
use the supplied plastic windows. The 3D model has small grooves near the window edges so that
the clear plastic sheets will fit in place.

Front and side walls of wheelhouse have integral brackets on which the bridge will rest.

Bridge itself is a simple "U" shaped board with rounded corners and has an integral "mount"
for the wheel.

The small mast is around 30mm high and will hold the masthead light and is cut for a 3mm
"flathead" LED (which has a 4mm base/rim). Not sure yet how it will look once printed and installed
onto the roof ...

I may also have to add guides in the corners to route LED wiring from the roof to the
floor without being too visible.